This moment, we are in right now, will soon be gone. The pain and misery we are facing today will soon fade away. One day we will look back on this day as a memory. It is up to us to decide what we will remember about this time. Did the trial break us or strengthen us? Are we better because of what we endured or bitter? What did we learn from the trial?

Whenever I go through a hardship, I try to keep my heart open to the possibilities and lessons that God wants me to learn. The moment I realize that the trial is happening for me and not to me, then I’m able to grow through it. We cannot become stronger without enduring pain. The pain is part of the growth. So often, when I’m in the midst of the fire, I want so badly for God to remove me from the pain. In His time, when the trial has served its purpose, God will bring me out the other side. And I will not be the same person. That’s what the trial is all about.

In order to be a mighty warrior for Him, we have to be willing to grow through our struggles. The strongest souls have endured and overcome the most pain. It is through the pain that we obtain wisdom, and learn how to serve our Lord. Instead of fighting against it, we need to embrace the struggle, and then overcome it.

Anyone can have faith when everything in their life is great. We can all praise God when our bills are paid, when our health is great, and our loves ones are alive and well. It’s when our life seems to be falling apart that the praise becomes the loudest.

As I’m writing this, my rib is out of alignment. I’ve been in pain most of the day, but I can’t even be sad about it because I know this pain is only temporary. And I’m so grateful for this day that the Lord has given me. The enemy is continuously putting his attacks on me and God has never failed to help me overcome him. Today will be no exception.

When the enemy is attacking me, God reminds me that this too shall pass. Our God can make a way when there is no way. He is always in control. Even though I’m struggling, there is still a smile on my face and joy in my heart. My God is wonderful. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Candida Sullivan is an author and inspirational speaker. She lives in New Tazewell with her husband and kids. For more information about her books or to schedule her for your event, email her at candidasullivan@yahoo.com.